Subchapter 7. General Industry Safety Orders
Group 16. Control of Hazardous Substances
Article 109. Hazardous Substances and Processes

§5162. Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment.

(a) Plumbed or self-contained eyewash or eye/facewash equipment which meets the requirements of sections 5, 7, or 9 of ANSI Z358.1-1981, Emergency Eyewash and Shower Equipment, incorporated herein by this reference, shall be provided at all work areas where, during routine operations or foreseeable emergencies, the eyes of an employee may come into contact with a substance which can cause corrosion, severe irritation or permanent tissue damage or which is toxic by absorption. Water hoses, sink faucets, or showers are not acceptable eyewash facilities. Personal eyewash units or drench hoses which meet the requirements of section 6 or 8 of ANSI Z358.1-1981, hereby incorporated by reference, may support plumbed or self-contained units but shall not be used in lieu of them.

(b) An emergency shower which meets the requirements of section 4 or 9 of ANSI Z358.1-1981, incorporated herein by reference, shall be provided at all work areas where, during routine operations or foreseeable emergencies, area of the body may come into contact with a substance which is corrosive or severely irritating to the skin or which is toxic by skin absorption.

(c) Location. Emergency eyewash facilities and deluge showers shall be in accessible locations that require no more than 10 seconds for the injured person to reach. If both an eyewash and shower are needed, they shall be located so that both can be used at the same time by one person. The area of the eyewash and shower equipment shall be maintained free of items which obstruct their use.

(d) Performance. Plumbed and self-contained eyewash and shower equipment shall supply potable water at the flow rates and time durations specified in ANSI Z358.1-1981. The control valve shall be designed so that the water flow remains on without requiring the use of the operator's hands, and so that the valve remains activated until intentionally shut off for all but hand-held drench hoses. Personal eyewash units shall deliver potable water or other eye-flushing solution approved by the consulting physician.

(e) Maintenance. Plumbed eyewash and shower equipment shall be activated at least monthly to flush the line and to verify proper operation. Other units shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

NOTE: See section 5185 of the General Industry Safety Orders when the hazard involves the changing and charging of storage batteries. See article 6 of the Unfired Pressure Vessel Safety Orders when the hazard involves anhydrousammonia.

Note: Authority cited: Section 142.3, Labor Code. Reference: Section 142.3, Labor Code.

HISTORY

1. Amendment filed 12-10-87; operative 1-9-88 (Register 87, No. 51).

2. Change without regulatory effect of subsection (a) filed 4-26-90 pursuant to section 100, Title 1, California Code of Regulations (Register 90, No. 22).

3. Editorial correction of subsection (a) (Register 2010, No. 34).